To apply for unemployment benefits in Georgia, follow these steps:

1. Set Up Your MyUI Claimant Portal Account
   • Go online to the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) website and create a MyUI Claimant Portal account by setting up a password and a personal identification number (PIN). This account is necessary to file a claim and manage your unemployment benefits

2. File an Unemployment Claim
   • You can file your claim online through the MyUI Claimant Portal or in person at a local GDOL career center. Filing online requires a valid personal email address to receive confidential information about your claim

 * Claims are effective from the date they are filed and are not retroactive

3. Prepare Required Documentation
   When applying, have the following ready:

   • Social Security number
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful immigration status (e.g., signed affidavit)
   • Driver’s license, passport, or DHS Employment Authorization
   • Personal contact information (name, phone number, date of birth, address)
   • Detailed work history for the past two years, including wages, employers, and reasons for leaving
   • If applicable, government employees should provide SF-8 or SF-50 forms, and former military members should provide a DD214 form

4. Eligibility Requirements
   • Be at least 18 years old
   • Have earned wages in Georgia in the past 24 months, meeting minimum wage requirements during the base period
   • Be unemployed through no fault of your own or have a significant reduction in work hours
   • Be actively seeking full-time work and able to document job search efforts (minimum three contacts per week)

5. After Filing
   • You will receive a confirmation email and claim number from GDOL
   • Enroll in GDOL Employment Services as part of the job search requirements
   • File weekly claims to certify eligibility and report job search activities to continue receiving benefits

6. Additional Support
   • For help, contact GDOL by phone at 1-877-709-8185 (or 404-232-3001 in Atlanta) or visit a local career center

In summary, applying for unemployment in Georgia involves creating an online account, submitting a claim with required documentation, meeting eligibility criteria, and maintaining weekly certifications and job search activities to receive benefits